Torque-applying tool device



Dec.5,1967 L T.R.WAGNER A 3,356,117

' TORQUE-APPLYING TOOL DEVICE Filed Oct. 19, 1964 INVENTOR THEODORE R.WAGNER ["lg- 5 BY l /JJK v ATTO EY United States Patent O 3,356,117TGRQUE-APPLYING TODL DEVIC Theodore R. Wagner, 433 Lima St., Aurora,Colo. 80010 Filed Oct. 19, 1964, Ser. No. 404,577 14 Claims. (Cl.145-71) This invention -relates to a novel and improved tool device, andmore particularly relates to a torque-applying tool holder forinterchangeably holding and applying torque to various different typesof tools, as well as to a novel `and improved ratchet mechanismincorporated in the tool holder for selectively applying torque ineither the forward or reverse direction of rotation, or in bothdirections of rot-ation as desired.

It is customary to design torque-applying devices, such as screwdriversets or socket wrench sets with a specially designed tool handle orholder which will accommodate different sizes and types of tool membersand wherein the tool holder is provided with `a ratchet mechanism whichcan be manipulated to impart rotation in either the forward or reversedirection or in both directions. In accordance with the presentinvention, a tool holder has been devised which is relativelyinexpensive and simple to manufacture, compact and versatile in use.More specifically the tool holder is so constructed and arranged that atool member can be adjustably but securely retained within the toolholder to be of the desired length, and further in such a way that thetool holder will facilitate grasping either by the hand or fingers toapply the necessary torque to the tool member. Moreover, it is desirablethat each tool be so positioned within the tool holder as to be securelyheld therein but easily released without the use of special tools, orturning or adjustment of any part of the tool handle or holder itself.In addition, the ratchet mechanism is so designed that it is capable ofeffecting positive engagement and release between the pawl and ratchetelements and with the entire mechanism being retained within the body ofthe tool while being 'accessible to the user so as to prevent accidentalloosening or damaging of the mechanism.

Accordingly, it is a principal and foremost object of the presentinvention to overcome a number of drawbacks and disadvantages in theprior art by providing a novel and improved torque-applying tool devicewhich will accommodate different types and sizes of tool members andwhich will further permit reelasable positioning of each tool memberwithin the tool holder for the application of torque to the tool memberin the desired direction of rotation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for theadjustable disposition of a tool member within a tool holder in such away as to control its length of extension from the tool holder andspecically to enable the reversible disposition of each tool memberwithin the holder to project unequal distances from opposite sides ofthe holder according to its intended use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide for a tooldevice which is compact, simple to manipulate `and control, and furtheris inexpensive and economical to manufacture; yet is designed in such away as to facilitate grasping either by the lingers or the hand forapplication of torque to a tool member positioned therein; and furtherwherein the tool holder is characterized by incorporating means forselectively applying additional torque through the tool holder to thetool member when required.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide animproved ratchet mechanism for a tool holder which is adjustable toeffect positive locking and release of a tool member for rotation ineither or both direc- 3,355,117 Patented Dec. 5, 1967 ICC tions andwherein the ratchet mechanism is characterized by being completelycontained within the body of the holder so as to avoid accidentaladjustment, loosening or damage to the mechanism while being easilyaccessible for positive adjustment by the user.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide for atool device having a novel form of drive cavity .and specially designeddrive end portion on each tool member which will permit secure butdetachable connection of each tool member in the tool holder during usewithout requiring the use of special tools or adjustment of the toolholder; and further wherein the entire tool device is small, compact,smooth and easy to operate, rugged and dependable in use while beinghighly versatile and conformable for use in a number of differenttorque-applying applications.

The above and other objects, advantages and features of the presentinvention will become more readily appreciated and understood from aconsideration of the following detailed description of a preferred formof invention taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE l is an elevational view partially in section of a preferred formof tool device in accordance with the present invention.

FIGURES 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views illustrating the ratchedmechanism incorporated in the tool handle in different positions ofoperation.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged detail view of a directional control member forthe ratchet mechanism.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged detailed View of a portion of the directionalcontrol member shown in FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a view in detail of a preferred form of washer elementemployed for releasably retaining a tool member within the tool holder;and

FIGURE 7 is a view in detail of the transfer Spring employed in thedirectional control mechanism.

Referring in more detail to the drawings, in the preferred form ofinvention, a tool device 10 is broadly comprised of a tool holder orhandle portion 12 having an outer, generally tubular casing 13 with atransverse aperture 14 for reception of a directional control mechanismdesignated at 15. Disposed in inner concentric relation within thecasing is a ratchet gear member 16 generally provided with externallydisposed ratchet tooth elements 17 and an internal drive cavity 18extending axially therethrough for releasable insertion of a tool member2li. Here the tool member is represented as being in the form of ascrewdriver blade including a blade end 21, shank 22 and drive endportion 24, the latter being dirnensioned for disposition insnug-fitting relation within the drive cavity in a manner to behereinafter described in more detail. Essentially, the directionalcontrol mechanism 1S is contained within the handle to selectively lockthe ratchet member 16 for rotation with the outer casing in either theforward or reverse direction while permitting independent rotation ofthe member irl the opposite direction, or further may be controlled tolock the ratchet member for rotation ywith the outer casing in bothdirections.

Considering in more detail the construction and arrangement of thehandle portion 12, the outer casing 13 is preferably composed of alightweight, tough and strong plastic so as to reduce the weight of thedevice while affording sufficient strength to handle any torque-applyingoperation throgh the tool member. Most desirably, the outer casing isformed with an upper enlarged, rounded head portion 26 having an outercylindrical surface provided with longitudinally extending ribs 23 toafford improved gripping action either by the hand or lingers of theuser. A lateral bore 30 extends through the head portion 26 forreception of a torque arm 31 in freely slidable relation therein, thearm 31 being in the form of a dowel having an enlarged end 32 movablethrough inner enlarged space 33 formed between a limit stop 34 andinternal shoulder 35. Norma-lly the arm is retained within the innerspace, and by tilting the handle will permit the arm to slide outwardlyfrom the bore in order to be grasped by the user for applying additionaltorque through the handle to the tool member. Preferably the limit stop34 is threaded in place and provided with a slot 34 so that when desiredthe limit stop may be removed for removal or insertion of the torque armV31.

The handle is further formed for reception of the ratchet gear 16 aswell as to permit reversible disposition of the tool member within thegear and handle for axial eX- tension in either axial direction, asillustrated in full and in dotted forms in FIGURE 1. Accordingly, thecasing is formed with a central bore 3S extending axially therethroughand with the forward or lower end of the bore being enlarged to providea cylindrical pocket or opening 40 for the ratchet gear element 16, andwith the upper reduced part of the bore intersecting the lateral recessfor the torque arm. To retain the ratchet gear 16 in normally journaledrelation within the outer casing, a pair of stepped annular shouldersseparate the enlarged pocket from the reduced end of the bore 38 toprovide annular bearing surfaces 42-43-44 for inner reduced end 46 ofthe ratchet gear element; and a spring clip 48 is disposed in a grooveat the lower end of the pocket i0 to retain the ratchet gear 16 in placewithin the pocket while permitting independent rotation of the gear withrespect to the casing.

The ratchet gear 16 is broadly designed to be releasably engaged by thedirectional control mechanism to apply torque in the desired directionto the tool member, and to this end the gear has a series ofcircu-mferentially spaced, axially extending tooth elements 5t) on itsouter peripheral surface and with a central drive cavity comprised of areduced circular opening 52 and enlarged noncircular drive opening 54separated by internal shoulder 55. Moreover, the lower or forward end ofthe ratchet gear 16 has an annular groove 56 in surrounding relation tothe forward end of the drive opening for insertion of a exible washerelement 58. As shown in detail in FIGURE 6, the washer is relativelythick and is formed to provide an outer generally circular surfaceportion 6i) for insertion in the groove 56 and an inner non-circularopening 61 conforming in cross-section to that of the drive opening 54.Preferably, the washer is dimensioned such that the edges 62 definingthe opening 61 project inwardly for a limited distance into the driveopening and are tapered as best seen from FIGURE l so as to havesomewhat added exibility in gripping the tool member. In turn, the driveend 24 for the tool member 20 is of a length corresponding to the axiallength of the drive opening 54, and also is of a non-circularcross-section conforming to the cross-sectional configuration of thedrive opening while being dimensioned for insertion in close ttingrelation to the opening so that the inner edges 62 of the washer willfrictionally engage the drive end portion 54 to retain it in placewithin the opening against accidental displacement. The washer elementis most desirably composed of a hard rubber or rubberlike material oflimited flexibility, such as, neoprene, to stand up under repeated useand to provide the necessary frictional engagement with the drive end tosecurely hold the tool member in place without slipping; yet, willpermit positive release of the tool member from the drive opening.

For the purpose of illustration, the tool member 20 is shown as being inthe form of a screwdriver blade which in addition to the drive endportion 24 has a rounded shank 22 terminating in a straight-sided blade21. It will be noted that the drive end portion is enlarged in relationto the shank and in cooperation with the common central opening 38formed through the ratchet gear and casing the tool member may bepositioned within the drive opening for extension of the blade in eitheraxial direction from the handle. Moreover, since the ratchet gear 16 anddrive opening are located at one end of the handle, when the blade ispassed upwardly through the handle, as shown dotted, its effectivelength will be decreased, or in other words, will project outwardly alesser distance from the handle than in the normal position illustratedin full in FIGURE l. Of course, in the former position, the torque `arrn31 must either -be removed or displaced outwardly from the inner space33 so as not to interfere with passage of the blade through the opening38.

The directional control mechanism 15 is so disposed within the controlaperture 14 as to effect positive locking engagement between the outercasing structure and ratchet gear in either or both directions ofrotation of the handle, and to accomplish this in such a way that themechanism will insure positive control in all positions and not besubject to loosening of misalignment under repeated use. For thispurpose, the outer casing structure is provided with a relatively thickbody portion as designated at 70 for the aperture 14; and specificallythe aperture includes an enlarged rectangular opening 72 extendingthrough the greater thickness of the body and terminating in spacedshoulder portions, the latter defining outwardly facing the seatingsurfaces 73 and a vertical slot 74 of reduced width communicatingbetween the cnlarged opening 72 and the pocket 40 within the casing.r[he seating surfaces 73 serve to support a pair of correspondinglyformed pawl elements 75 aligned in opposed facing relation within thecontrol aperture, the pawl elements having generally concave or inwardlydirected, tapered locking ends 77 and outer rounded corner portions 78which lare rockably or tiltably disposed on the seating surfaces 73. Thecorner portions 78 taper upwardly or outwardly from the under surfaces76 into ledge portions 89, and the relatively near locking end portions77 taper outwardly for termination in relatively flat control surfaces82 by means of which in cooperation with the ledge portions it ispossible to independently control tilting movement of each of the pawlelements into and out of locking engagement with one of the toothelements S0 on the ratchet gear.

In order to control tilting movement of the pawl elements, a pawlcontrol assembly includes a cylindrical control button 84 having aninwardly projecting pin 85 which is eccentrically disposed on the innerend surface of the button, together with a transverse groove 86 in the1body of the button just outwardly of the pin for reception of aretainer spring 88. As shown in dotted form in FIGURES 4 and 5, thetransverse groove 86 terminates in a central rounded bearing section 89for insertion in a generally U-shaped slot 90 on the retainer spring 88.To retain the button securely in place within the control aperture, theretainer spring 83 is further dimensioned to fit snugly within thecontrol aperture and has outer rounded projections 91 for insertion inarcuate slots 92 formed on opposite vertical sides of the controlaperture. In addition, a raised portion or ridge 93 is formed on theexterior surface of the control button so that the button may be turnedby manipulating the raised portion 93 thereby causing eccentric movementof the pin 85 within the control aperture. As shown in FIGURE 7, atransfer spring 94 has an elongated, generally rectangular opening 95through which is inserted the eccentric pin 85, and the spring hasinwardly curving divergent sides 96 which in assembled relation areengageable with the outer control surfaces 82 on the pawl element. Mostdesirably, the pin 85 is relatively square in cross-scction and is sizedfor insertion in close-tting relation to the rectangular slot 95 sothat, upon eccentric movement of the pin in response to rotation of thecontrol button, its lateral or lsidewise movement is imparted to thetransfer spring while being free to move axially through the slot in adirection parallel to the main axis of the handle.

From a consideration of FIGURES 2 and 3, it will be noted that when thecontrol button is rotated to a neutral position the divergent ends 96 ofthe transverse spring will be centr-ally disposed in relation to thepawl elements and by exerting pressure on the control surfaces willforce the locking ends 77 inwardly into engagement with opposite sidesof a tooth element 50 on the ratchet gear. However, by rotating thecontrol button 90 in either direction, for instance, in a clockwisedirection when viewed from the exterior of the handle, one of thedivergent ends 96 will he forced laterally against the ledge portion 80on the pawl element to tilt the locking end upwardly away fromengagement with one side of the tooth, whereas the opposite divergentend is moved in a direction away from the ledge portion so as tocontinue to urge the locking end for that pawl element into lockingengagement with the tooth element. In this position, the mechanism willlock the entire ratchet gear for rotation with the outer casing in aclockwise direction while permitting independent rotation of the casingwith respect to the ratchet gear in a counterclockwise direction.Conversely, rotation of the control button in a counterclockwisedirection would have the opposite effect thereby locking the ratchetgear for rotation with the casing in the counterclockwise direction. Itwill be noted that by virtue of the relatonship established between thetransfer spring and outer control surface the transfer spring will notimpose any restraint on outward movement of the locking pawl elementwhen the casing is permitted to rotate independently of the ratchet gearbut will immediately move into locking engagement with the side of atooth element when rotation is reversed in the locking direction asdescribed. Moreover, through a single transfer spring it is possible tosimultaneously control locking and release of the pawl element eitherindividually or simultaneously thus contributing to relatively smooth,easy action in shifting the pawl elements from one position to anotherunder a very slight movement of the transfer spring.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that the tool holder of thepresent invention is readily conformable for use in cooperation withvarious types of tool members in torque-applying operations. Preferably,the tool member itself is specially designed with an enlarged drive endportion which may be reversibly positioned within the drive cavity ofthe ratchet gear for extension of the tool in either direction. Incertain applications however it may be that due to the configuration ofthe tool it is not possible to reversibly position the tool in relationto the tool holder, but nevertheless since the drive cavity is at oneend of the handle would permit retention of the tool for outwardextension in one direction from the handle. The configuration of thetool handle further lends itself well to torque-applying applications inthat the enlarged head portion can be grasped either in the palm of thehand or by the ngers for rotation Vof the tool; or in cooperation withthe torque arm will again facilitate grasping both in the hand and ngersto apply the necessary torque to the tool member.

It is to be understood that various modifications and changes may bemade in the construction and arrangement of parts without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A torque-applying tool -device for a tool member having a shank andan enlarged drive end portion, said torque-applying device comprising ahandle provided with a tool-receiving opening exten-ding axiallytherethrough for reversible insertion of the shank portion of said toolthrough the opening, at least a portion of the opening extendinginwardly from one end of said handle being non-circular in cross-sectionand being dimensioned for close ttng insertion of the enlarge-d driveend portion of said tool therein, and an internal shoulder disposed inthe non-circular portion of the opening relatively near one end and awayfrom the opposite end of said handle to limit inward extension of theenlarged drive end portion of the tool through the opening such thatsaid tool member will project outwardly from the opening alternativelyin either direction for unequal distances away from said handle, andreleasable retaining means disposed in the non-circular portion of theopening to releasably retain said drive end portion therein for rotationwith said handle.

2. A torque-applying tool device according to claim 1, said releasableretaining means being defined by a ringlike member being composed of amaterial to frictionally engage said drive end portion upon insertion ofsaid tool member through the opening into abutting relation against saidinternal shoulder.

3. A torque-applying tool device according to claim 1, said handleincluding anl arm member being slidably disposed for movement between aretracted position within said handle and outward la-teral extensionfrom said handle.

4. A torque-applying tool device comprising an outer casing providedwith a transverse aperture extending therethrough, an inner concentricring gear having eX- ternal tooth elements being disposed forindependent rotation within said casing and being provi-ded with atoolreceiving drive opening therein, releasable pawl elements disposedin the transverse opening in said outer casing, and a pawl controlmember disposed outwardly of said -releasable pawl elements includingresilient means to yieldingly engage said pawl elements and an eccentriccontrol element being responsive to rotation of said pawl control memberto urge said resilient means into engagement with said pawl elements,and said pawl control member being movable to urge said resilient meansinto engagement with each of said pawl elements whereby to displace saidpawl elements alternatively into locking relation with one of said toothelemen-ts on said ring gear to lock said ring gear for rotation withsaid outer casing in a selected direction.

5. A torque-applying tool holder according to claim 4, said pawlelements being tiltably disposed in facing relation within the openingand having relatively near, inwardly projecting terminal edges eachengageable with an opposite side of a tooth element on said ring gear.

6. In a tool device, a tool handle comprising an outer cylindricalcasing provided with a transverse opening therein, a ratchet geardisposed for independent rotation concentrically within said casingincluding an axial toolreceiving opening and external tooth elementsthereon, a pair of tiltable pawl elements disposed in aligned,oppositely facing relation in the transverse opening, said elementshaving outer control surfaces and relatively near end portions movableinto engagement with opposite sides of a tooth element on said ratchetgear whereby to lock said ratchet for rotation with said outer casing, apawl control member including a transfer spring extending inwardlytherefrom for lateral movement in response -to movement of said controlmember to alternately engage a control surface on each of said pawlswhereby to tilt one of said pawl elements outwardly away from lockingengagement while urging the other of said pawl elements inwardly intolocking engagement with one side of a tooth element, and said controlmember being further movable to simultaneously tilt both of said pawlsinwardly into locking engagement with opposite sides of a tooth elementon said ring gear whereby to lock said gear for rotation with said outercasing in both the forward and reverse directions.

7. -In a tool device according to claim 6, said tool handle beingfurther characterized by including a retainer clip on said pawl controlmember to yieldably position said control member within the transverseopening.

8. In a tool device according to claim 6, said pawl control member-being further characterized by including an inwardly directed eccentricpin disposed in a slot in said transfer spring to impart lateralmovement to said trans-fer spring in response to rotation of said pawlcontrol member.

9. In a tool device according to claim 8, said transfer spring lbeingfurther characterized by being in the form of an arcuate spring havinginwardly divergent sides engageable with an outer control surface oneach of said pawl elements.

10. A torque-applying tool device comprising an outer, generally tubularcasing of limited ylength having an enlarged rounded end portion and arelatively thick body portion on one side of said casing with atransverse aperture extending through said body portion, an innerconcentric ring gear disposed for independent rotation within saidcasing and being provided with a tool-receiving drive opening therein,releasable pawl means being disposed in the transverse aperture, anddirectional control means disposed in the transverse aperture outwardlyof said releasable pawl means being movable to selectively urge saidpawl means into locking relation with one of said tooth elements on saidring gear whereby to lock said ring gear for rotation in a selecteddirection in response to rotation of said outer casing.

11. A torque-applying tool device according to claim 10, said enlargedhead portion including a torque arm positioned in a transverse bore inthe enlarged head for slidable lateral extension therefrom.

12. A torque-applying tool device according to claim 10, saidtool-receiving drive opening being non-circular, and releasableretaining means being disposed within the drive opening for frictionallyengaging a `tool positioned therein.

13. A torque-applying tool device according to claim 12, the driveopening being square in cross-section, and said releasable retainingmeans being defined by a compressible washer disposed in a groove in thewall of the opening, said washer having a square opening of reduced sizein relation to the size of the drive opening to frictionally engage atool `member inserted into the opening, and means Adisposed in the driveopening inwardly of said washer for limiting inward movement of the toolthrough the opening.

14. A torque-applying tool device comprising an outer casing of limitedlength having an enlarged end portion, an inner concentric ratchet gearbeing provided with a tool-receiving opening extending axially throughsaid casing, a tool member having an enlarged drive end portion thereonbeing adapted for insertion within the toolreceiving opening,directional control means in said casing for releasably engaging saidratchet gear to impart rotational movement from said outer casing tosaid tool member, and a torque-applying arm being slidably disposed in abore extending transversely through said enlarged end portion, the -borebeing closed at one end and having a terminal shoulder at its oppositeend, said torque-applying arm having an enlarged inner end portion toprovide for movement of said arm between a position abutting the closedend of said bore and an extended position with the inner end of said armabutting said terminal shoulder in the bore.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,143,350 6/1915 Benedict 81177.21,222,448 4/ 1917 Nelson 145-75 1,406,841 2/ 1922 Foss.

2,720,296 11/1955l Briglia 145-75 2,833,548 5/1958 Clark 81-177 FOREIGNPATENTS 894,363 4/1962 Great Britain.

WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner.

R. V. PARKER, In., Assistant Examiner.

4. A TORQUE-APPLYING TOOL DEVICE COMPRISING AN OUTER CASING PROVIDEDWITH A TRANSVERSE APERTURE EXTENDING THERETHROUGH, AN INNER CONCENTRICRING GEAR HAVING EXTERNAL TOOTH ELEMENTS BEING DISPOSED FOR INDEPENDENTROTATION WITHIN SAID CASING AND BEING PROVIDED WITH A TOOLRECEIVINGDRIVE OPENING THEREIN, RELEASABLE PAWL ELEMENTS DISPOSED IN THETRANSVERSE OPENING IN SAID OUTER CASING, AND A PAWL CONTROL MEMBERDISPOSED OUTWARDLY OF SAID RELEASABLE PAWL ELEMENTS INCLUDING RESILIENTMEANS TO YIELDINGLY ENGAGE SAID PAWL ELEMENTS AND AN ECCENTRIC CONTROLELEMENT BEING RESPONSIVE TO ROTATION OF SAID PAWL CONTROL MEMBER TO URGESAID RESILIENT MEANS INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID PAWL ELEMENTS, AND SAIDPAWL CONTROL MEMBER BEING MOVABLE TO URGE SAID RESILIENT MEANS INTOENGAGEMENT WITH EACH OF SAID PAWL ELEMENTS WHEREBY TO DISPLACE SAID PAWLELEMENTS ALTERNATIVELY INTO LOCKING RELATION WITH ONE OF SAID TOOTHELEMENTS ON SAID RING GEAR TO LOCK SAID RING GEAR FOR ROTATION WITH SAIDOUTER CASING IN A SELECTED DIRECTION.